A young man was found shot dead on a local road in tambon Na Tham, Muang district of Yala province early Wednesday.
Police were notified of the body about 5am on Wednesday.
At the scene, the investigators found Abdul-Hafiz Sueni, 24, lying dead, face down on the road. On top of him was his motorcycle. Abdul-Hafiz had been shot once or twice with bullets of unknown calibre.
From initial inquires, police said Abdul-Hafiz was likely attacked while riding a motorcycle back from his friend's house in the municipal area. Police believes assailants on another motorcycle overtook him and opened fire.
Several witnesses told police they heard a couple of gunshots around 1.30am but were too scared to leave their homes and go and see what had happened. The body was found later.
Police said it was still not clear whether the motive was a personal grudge, or if militants were to blame.